Show-Me State Times

Sam Aitchison, a finance, leadership, and human resource management major at Saint Louis University, has been named a 2025 Truman Scholar. Aitchison, a junior also studying Catholic studies, is among 54 college students selected from 49 U.S. colleges and universities for the prestigious scholarship aimed at nurturing public service leaders across the nation.

The announcement came as a surprise during a Service Leadership Program capstone class. SLU President Fred P. Pestello highlighted the alignment of Aitchison's achievements with the university's mission, stating, “Your commitment, your dedication to service, what you’ve already done and what you aspire to do is very impressive.” SLU Provost Mike Lewis noted Aitchison is the sixth Truman Scholar in the university's history, with three recipients in the past four years.

Aitchison was optimistic about his nomination, and the ceremony included Ben Smyth, who he regards as a mentor. Smyth, who directs co-curricular and service-learning programs in SLU's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, has played a significant role in Aitchison's professional growth. “Ben has been instrumental in my development as a person,” acknowledged Aitchison, expressing gratitude for the guidance he received.

Aitchison's engagements extend across numerous activities, including roles as a Service Leadership Program executive board member, volunteer coordinator at Loyola Academy of St. Louis, and vice president of finance at Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His Catholic faith underpins his motivations: “The foundation of my motivation is my Catholic faith, which has taught me to love God and love others,” he explained.

Aitchison's work at Loyola Academy involves coordinating and recruiting SLU students to tutor middle schoolers. He observed, “Through my time at Loyola Academy and my own experiences in Jesuit education, I hope to further the mission and impact that education has in the future.”

Looking ahead, Aitchison plans to obtain a master's degree in secondary or higher education, with aspirations of teaching and advancing into administration. He also exhibits an interest in roles with government-related organizations.

Rebecca Muich, Director of the SLU Honors Program, was instrumental in Aitchison’s application process. She described him as a “shining example” of the impact of experiential learning and discernment. Maintaining three majors plus a minor, Aitchison’s educational journey included volunteer efforts at Loyola Academy, embodying his commitment to addressing educational disparities.

From 288 colleges and universities, Aitchison was among 743 nominees reviewed by seventeen selection panels. Muich commended his focused and organized approach to the Truman Scholarship application, emphasizing his dedication and openness to growth.

Truman Scholars receive a package that includes up to $30,000 for public-service graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and internships or fellowships within the federal government.